James Durno facts for kids

James Durno was a British painter who lived a long time ago, from about 1745 to 1795. He was known for painting historical scenes. He spent most of his painting career in Rome, Italy.

Life of James Durno

James Durno was born around 1745. His father owned a brewery. They lived in West London, in an area now called Notting Hill Gate.

In 1769, James Durno started studying at the Royal Academy Schools. He learned from famous artists like Andrea Casali and Benjamin West. He also helped West by making copies of his paintings. Around 1771, he assisted John Hamilton Mortimer with ceiling paintings at Brocket Hall. The Society of Arts recognized his talent. They gave him 30 guineas in 1771. The next year, he won 100 guineas for the best historical painting.

Time in Rome

In 1774, Durno traveled to Italy and arrived in Rome. From 1777 to 1778, he lived with the sculptor Thomas Banks and his wife. While in Rome, Durno tried to become a famous history painter. He also continued to work as a copyist.

One of his big projects was a large copy of Raphael's famous painting, Transfiguration. He finished this copy by 1779. Henry Herbert, 10th Earl of Pembroke, saw it that year. He wrote that it was probably the last copy ever made. The monks who owned the original painting were worried it might get damaged. Durno wanted £1000 for his copy. It didn't sell until 1783. The Earl of Bristol bought it then. The Earl also bought two of Durno's original history paintings. These were The Mourning over the Dead Body of Hector and The Return of Priam with the body of Hector. Durno's copy of the Transfiguration is likely the one now in the National Gallery of Ireland.

Paintings for Boydell's Shakespeare Gallery

In Rome, Durno painted two pictures for Boydell's Shakespeare Gallery. This gallery showed paintings inspired by William Shakespeare's plays. Both of Durno's paintings featured the character Falstaff.

One painting showed Falstaff raising new soldiers in Henry IV. The other painting showed Falstaff disguised as an "Old Woman of Brentford" in Merry Wives of Windsor. John Soane bought this second painting in 1805. It is now at the Sir John Soane's Museum in London. However, some people, like Edward Edwards, felt that these paintings "did not answer the expectations" of those who ordered them.

Later Life and Death

James Durno died in Rome on September 13, 1795, from a fever. The Gentleman's Magazine reported on his funeral. Many British artists attended. Even Prince Augustus and other important people carried torches to honor him.

Images for kids

• Achilles after the Death of Patroclus.jpg

  Durno's painting Achilles after the Death of Patroclus is in a museum in France.